The recommended method to convert these disks is to upgrade the operating system to Windows 10 first, then perform the MBR to GPT conversion. So 2k8 sounds like a no no even for an offline conversion.

Doing so causes the GPT partition table to overwrite the data on the destination drive. To resolve this issue, the user needs to convert the GUID Partition Table disk to MBR.

This disk management software can convert MBR to GPT without losing any data. Check the table to learn how EaseUS Partition master makes MBR to GPT conversion safe and worry-free: ...

Many computer users are curious about whether they should use MBR or GPT when initializing a disk for the first time in Windows. In fact, selecting the appropriate option is essential for the ...

This post explains what is MBR (Master Boot Record), GPT (GUID Partition Table) and which technology is better for your SSD.

Turns out by default Linux (RHEL8) is still using MBR disks and so you run into the 2TB max limit. Found that there is a command "sgdisk" that will do a live conversion to GPT without any data loss.

This disk management software can convert MBR to GPT without losing any data. Check the table to learn how EaseUS Partition master makes MBR to GPT conversion safe and worry-free: ...